Does Schuster become the backrower we need?

[The better Robbo]

As the title suggests do we keep Schuster at backrow? It is so refreshing having a ball playing backrower, it adds another dimension to our attack. That left edge looked lethal with Foz, Schuster and Turbo. I was critical of him earlier this season for bring too loose with his ball handling and not taking the tough runs. The last 2 weeks he has gone to another level, he has put the "tap on" away and is doing some tough runs when we really need them. Having the halves play both sides like they did today and having a genuine ball player in Schuster on the left is so valuable and might be worth persisting with. Schuster, Davey and Olakau-atu is a genuine a gun backrower combo. He is a big unit and I feel he was always destined to play backrow anyway, Maybe we have just stumbled on his position earlier than expected through injuries. Interesting to hear peoples thoughts.

 

[winnyason]

Yeah in short term yes but long term he a 6

 

[MANLY4LIFE]

I think hes becoming one naturally his body type isnt really made for a 6 anymore hes getting chunkier by the day lol

 

[maxta]

I reckon he is a magic 5/8....but more than anything...a magic footballer.
The way he has started just playing direct without always looking for the miracle ball is super.
He is an absolute handful in attack and his defence is solid as a rock
What I love, in the modern game, he wins both the attacking momentum with the ball and in defence always controls the opposition...for a kid, it's almost good as it gets.

 

[Brisbane Tragic]

As the title suggests do we keep Schuster at backrow? It is so refreshing having a ball playing backrower, it adds another dimension to our attack. That left edge looked lethal with Foz, Schuster and Turbo. I was critical of him earlier this season for bring too loose with his ball handling and not taking the tough runs. The last 2 weeks he has gone to another level, he has put the "tap on" away and is doing some tough runs when we really need them. Having the halves play both sides like they did today and having a genuine ball player in Schuster on the left is so valuable and might be worth persisting with. Schuster, Davey and Olakau-atu is a genuine a gun backrower combo. He is a big unit and I feel he was always destined to play backrow anyway, Maybe we have just stumbled on his position earlier than expected through injuries. Interesting to hear peoples thoughts.

Interesting to see commentators referring to him as a Glen Stewart type - unless we find a super number 6 that is where he will be but gee he is proving to me a bloody good backrower - big carries, makes metres - good defence and fabulous ball skills. Haumole was superb and yes I can't wait to see Davey out there next year. But I can't see us unearthing a super 6 - they are hard to come by - backrowers not quite as hard to find.

 

[Nordburg]

I think it’s a great position for him to start his career and to learn.Not many 19 yr olds come out and dominate or just hold their own in the halves for a long stretch,Sam Walker has started well but the toll of the season will catch up with him at some point.But with Foran currently fit and playing well,Schuster can ease himself into First Grade without the pressure of running the show.It’s also a good position for him to work on his fitness

 

[Peter7]

I think hes becoming one naturally his body type isnt really made for a 6 anymore hes getting chunkier by the day lol

I always knew he was big but watching him today I was thinking the exact same thing.
Seems to be getting bigger each week

 

[Chip and Chase]

He's going well there, and I think having Foran next to him making most of the decisions just allows Shoe to play footy and chance his arm. I guess the only risk is the extra workload in defence and hit ups might put stress on his body. With Jetski and Davey out for the season he's got no competition for the spot anyway. Personally I wouldn't be rushing Siro back in either. Let Guaca have a bit of a crack at that slot on the right.

 

[Dan]

Backrowers body, ball skills of a half. Reminds me of gifty in so many ways.

Des will put him in the centres

 

[pjayz]

For this year he should stay in the backrow. If Foran goes down then move him. Next year I think we should put him in the six as Foran might struggle to keep up. I see Foran being used in a similar fashion to Benji next year.

I don’t think we can lose whichever way we go.

 

[Bearfax]

Backrowers body, ball skills of a half. Reminds me of gifty in so many ways.

Des will put him in the centres

Certainly Gifty was great to have in the side and operated as a second 5/8. But in my mind Schuster has a much larger skill set and that's why he'll be 5/8..and an outstanding one...in future

 

[Dan]

Certainly Gifty was great to have in the side and operated as a second 5/8. But in my mind Schuster has a much larger skill set and that's why he'll be 5/8..and an outstanding one...in future

So we agree, des will play him in centres

 

[Will on the hill]

Having someone with his skill set outside Foran has the added advantage of disguising where Tommy will chime in. Trying to plan for it will give plenty of defensive coaches sleepless nights.

 

[The better Robbo]

For this year he should stay in the backrow. If Foran goes down then move him. Next year I think we should put him in the six as Foran might struggle to keep up. I see Foran being used in a similar fashion to Benji next year.

I don’t think we can lose whichever way we go.

I guess it comes down to Foran and his injuries. Going by most on here he's already played more games this year than most thought. If Foz stays fit and continues to improve then it would be hard to leave him out. We also possibly have Fainu, Lawton and Cust to take 2 spots in the team, not sure Foz fits the utility role over these guys. By playing Schuster at backrow or even lock then we get the best of both. Why not have all our best ball players out there?
He is a big boy and might end up too big to be 5/8. For a 19 yr old he is huge and quite thick.

 

[The better Robbo]

Having someone with his skill set outside Foran has the added advantage of disguising where Tommy will chime in. Trying to plan for it will give plenty of defensive coaches sleepless nights.

That's it. You can't defend it. It is a lethal combination.

 

[manlyfan76]

Need to so him given an extended run at six in this team to really know.
But on what I've seen this year and juniors yes he will be a good six

 

[pjayz]

I guess it comes down to Foran and his injuries. Going by most on here he's already played more games this year than most thought. If Foz stays fit and continues to improve then it would be hard to leave him out. We also possibly have Fainu, Lawton and Cust to take 2 spots in the team, not sure Foz fits the utility role over these guys. By playing Schuster at backrow or even lock then we get the best of both. Why not have all our best ball players out there?
He is a big boy and might end up too big to be 5/8. For a 19 yr old he is huge and quite thick.

Yes, I don’t disagree if Foran is playing well. I’m just cautious as we are only six games in and we are projecting into next year - who knows how his body holds up.

When I say he can play a Benji role I am more referring to back-up half, mentor, great to have a training etc. I don’t think he will be our 14.

 

[KNUCKLES]

As the title suggests do we keep Schuster at backrow? It is so refreshing having a ball playing backrower, it adds another dimension to our attack. That left edge looked lethal with Foz, Schuster and Turbo. I was critical of him earlier this season for bring too loose with his ball handling and not taking the tough runs. The last 2 weeks he has gone to another level, he has put the "tap on" away and is doing some tough runs when we really need them. Having the halves play both sides like they did today and having a genuine ball player in Schuster on the left is so valuable and might be worth persisting with. Schuster, Davey and Olakau-atu is a genuine a gun backrower combo. He is a big unit and I feel he was always destined to play backrow anyway, Maybe we have just stumbled on his position earlier than expected through injuries. Interesting to hear peoples thoughts.

I've been thinking about this the last few weeks since the dragons game.. I think he will end up being too big to be a half in the future. He is only 19 or something like that.. I think he will grow into a feleti type mould in stature. I like the idea of keeping him in the backrow/lock. Whether he wants to is another story. But it would save the trouble looking elsewhere for a backrower and I think he would be very valuable on an edge like Graham is to the sharks, and Stewart was for us. Long career for him wherever he ends up nevertheless

 

[Supreme Leader]

As the title suggests do we keep Schuster at backrow? It is so refreshing having a ball playing backrower, it adds another dimension to our attack. That left edge looked lethal with Foz, Schuster and Turbo. I was critical of him earlier this season for bring too loose with his ball handling and not taking the tough runs. The last 2 weeks he has gone to another level, he has put the "tap on" away and is doing some tough runs when we really need them. Having the halves play both sides like they did today and having a genuine ball player in Schuster on the left is so valuable and might be worth persisting with. Schuster, Davey and Olakau-atu is a genuine a gun backrower combo. He is a big unit and I feel he was always destined to play backrow anyway, Maybe we have just stumbled on his position earlier than expected through injuries. Interesting to hear peoples thoughts.

Please NO!!!

 

[Kevinward777]

As the title suggests do we keep Schuster at backrow? It is so refreshing having a ball playing backrower, it adds another dimension to our attack. That left edge looked lethal with Foz, Schuster and Turbo. I was critical of him earlier this season for bring too loose with his ball handling and not taking the tough runs. The last 2 weeks he has gone to another level, he has put the "tap on" away and is doing some tough runs when we really need them. Having the halves play both sides like they did today and having a genuine ball player in Schuster on the left is so valuable and might be worth persisting with. Schuster, Davey and Olakau-atu is a genuine a gun backrower combo. He is a big unit and I feel he was always destined to play backrow anyway, Maybe we have just stumbled on his position earlier than expected through injuries. Interesting to hear peoples thoughts.

For now, absolutely.